Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• General FAQs

• Registration FAQs

• Fundraising FAQs

• Team FAQs

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General FAQs

What is Stair Climb MS?
Stair Climb MS is a unique fund-raising event that raises funds for the National MS Society, Hampton Roads Chapter. Participants will run/walk up the stairs of the Westin Virginia Beach Town Center (the tallest building between Charlotte, N.C and Philadelphia, P.A.) while raising money and awareness to help more than 2,800 Virginians living with multiple sclerosis. The finish line will be at the Town Center Residential Condos Pent House.

How many flights of stairs is Stair Climb MS?
The non-competitive climbers will climb 36 flights of stairs. The competitive climbers will have the option to climb 36, 72 or 108 flights of stairs.

Do ALL participants have the option to climb more than once?
No. Non-competitive participants will run or walk up 36 flights of stairs of the Westin Virginia Beach Town Center. Military, First Responders & Competitive Climbers have the option to hustle up the stairs of the Westin Virginia Beach Town Center, NOT once (36 flights), OR twice (72 flights), BUT three times (108 flights)!  

How long does Stair Climb MS take?
This depends on each participant's fitness level, speed and amount of time spent at rest areas. Top racers going once, finish 36 flights of stairs in as little as 5 minutes, while the average participant may take from 15 to 25 minutes to finish.

Will I receive an event T-shirt?
Yes. All participants receive an event T-shirt and medal for participating in the event.

Will there be parking?
Yes. The entrance to the Westin Virginia Beach Town Center is on Market Street. All parking is free to the public; garages are open 24 hours a day while on-street parking is limited to two hours. 

When will I receive my start time?
Start times will be provided to participants closer to the event. Please be sure to read all materials emailed to you regarding the Stair Climb event.

What time should I arrive?
Please be sure to get to the Westin Virginia Beach Town Center 20 minutes prior to your assigned start time. If you miss your start time, you won’t be able to begin until all other climbers have started.

Will there be medical personnel?
There will be emergency crews on site. In case of emergency, volunteers in the stairwell will communicate with emergency personnel. Further details about climbing rules and information will be distributed closer to the event.

Can a climber stop on a landing to catch his/her breathe?
YES, but be aware that other Climbers are coming up behind you, and you should try to stay out of their way.

Can I wear my headphones while climbing?
Headphones and the use of cell phones are not permitted while climbing.

Can a climber stop at any time?
Try to avoid stopping in the stairwell. If you are fatigued, slow your pace and try to continue climbing. If you need to stop, make sure you only do this on a landing. Never stop on the actual flight of stairs. If you do not wish to continue, climb to the next rest stop and inform the rest stop captain that you can no longer continue. If you are unable to climb to the next rest stop or are experiencing a medical emergency, do not climb back downstairs! Call the number on your participant wristband and a medical team will come to your assistance. If you do not have a cell phone, ask a fellow participant to call for help.

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Registration FAQs

Is there a registration fee?
Yes.

I will be out of town during Stair Climb MS. Can I still participate as a Virtual Participant?
Yes. You do not have to physically be at Stair Climb MS to participate. Virtual Participants can register as an individual or team participant. Virtual Participants will receive the same benefits and prizes as those who participate on the day of the event.

What is the difference between an Event Participant and a Virtual Participant?
An Event Participant is someone who is planning to actually Stair Climb MS. A Virtual Participant cannot climb but will fundraise. Team members can register as either Event Participants or Virtual Participants.

Can I register for Stair Climb MS the day of the event?
Yes. All participants registering the day of the event are still required to pay registration fee in order to participate. Please note Stair Climb MS may sell out and we cannot guarantee entries.

Are there any age restrictions?
All participants must be 14 years of age or older on the day of the event. All minors must have a notarized waiver signed by their parent or guardian.

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Fundraising FAQs

Is there a minimum fundraising requirement?
No minimum fundraising goal is required, but fundraising is encouraged.  Prizes will be given to those who met our prize levels.

Where do I send my donations?
National MS Society
Hampton Roads Chapter
760 Lynnhaven Parkway, Suite 201
Virginia Beach, VA 23452

Who do I make checks payable to?
Please make checks payable to the National MS Society. Remember to include the participant’s name and account number, if known, in the memo section of each check.

What are your prize levels?

• $150-Kilimanjaro Level
• $300-McKinley Level
• $500-K2 Level
• $1,000-Everest Level & Thousandaire Club

What is a Stair Climb MS Thousandaire Top Fundraiser?
Stair Climb MS Thousandaire Top Fundraisers are participants who raise $1,000 or more or after the day of our fundraising deadline. *Thousandaires receive special perks at the event and are eligible for a commemorative item after the event. 

How do I obtain my prize?
Prize options and specific dates will be posted online once available.

How long does it take for checks to show up on my fundraising page?
It depends how many checks the Chapter receives and how close it is to the event. Checks that are mailed prior to the event can take two to four weeks to show up on your account. To avoid the wait, you can always encourage your donors to sponsor you online. Online donations are safe and easy.

What is My Participant Center?
Every Stair Climb MS participant receives an online fundraising account that is accessed through the “My Participant Center” tab and logging in with your username and password. Online fundraising accounts enable participants to create personal web pages, provide e-mail tools to solicit donations and have reports to track your fundraising.

What if my company wants to match my donation?
Contact your HR department to learn about your company’s matching gift policies and procedures. Check to see if your company participates by visiting our Matching Gift Corporations List. Follow the procedure outlined by your company's matching gift program; printed materials may be mailed to:

National MS Society
Hampton Roads Chapter
Attn: Matching Gifts
760 Lynnhaven Parkway, Suite 201
Virginia Beach, VA 23452

Are donations tax deductible and how do I get a receipt?
YES. All donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. Your cleared check or credit card transaction serves as your receipt. Donations of $25 or more will automatically receive an acknowledgement from the National MS Society by the end of the calendar year in which the donation is made.

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Teams FAQs

How do I form a Team?
At the time of registration, go to the section that is titled "Enter Your Team Details" and enter the team's name, company (if relevant) and the team's fundraising goal, to start your team.

How do I join/register on a Team?
At the time of registration, select the link “I would like to join an existing team”.

How many team members can I have?
Teams must consist of a minimum of 4 people to qualify for the competitions. They may consist of both non-competitive and competitive members. There is no maximum number of team members.

What if I have already registered as an Individual and want to be on a Team?
We’re glad to have more team members! If you have already registered, just contact us at fnfo@fightms.com or 757-490-9627 with your full name and the team name you would like to join.

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If you still can’t find the answer to your question after reviewing the above information, please feel free to contact info@fightms.com or 757-490-9627.